PRAGATI aims to create a nationwide ecosystem of 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs on top of existing network of 26,000+ agri-entrepreneurs, with a strong emphasis on inclusive participation, targeting balanced representation within the field.

In a significant milestone for India’s rural development landscape, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare & Rural Development, launched landmark Initiative ‘PRAGATI’ to Empower 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs and directly support 20 Lakh farmers. Leading national and global institutions, a pioneering programme designed to catalyse large-scale, inclusive, and climate-resilient regenerative agriculture initiative to transform smallholder farmers.

PepsiCo Foundation, State Bank of India Foundation (SBIF), Gates Foundation, IDH, Heifer International, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Global Agri Entrepreneurship Academy, The Sustainable Agriculture Foundations International Association (SAFIA), and Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF), & Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF) have come together to launch the ambitious 20K Agri Entrepreneurs Initiative, PRAGATI. 

This programme has been built on the learnings from prior agri-entrepreneurship initiatives implemented in several states across India. PRAGATI aims to create a nationwide ecosystem of 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs on top of existing network of 26,000+ agri-entrepreneurs, with a strong emphasis on inclusive participation, targeting balanced representation within the field. The initiative is expected to positively impact over 2 million smallholder farmers, with intentional outreach to help ensure broad participation across farmers. The programme will be implemented across key agricultural states, including Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.

PRAGATI will work to help transform the livelihoods of over 2 million farmers by delivering advisory services and sustainable farming knowledge at scale. The initiative aims to help drive the adoption of regenerative agriculture and diversified income opportunities among at least 20 per cent of participating farmers, while targeting a minimum 30 per cent increase in farmer incomes and a 15-20 per cent boost in yields of key crops such as paddy, maize, and potato. By strengthening financial literacy and expanding access to formal financial systems, PRAGATI aims to empower at least half of all associated farmers to build more resilient and prosperous futures.

Speaking about the initiative, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said that the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) cannot be achieved without a developed agricultural sector and prosperous villages. He said the government’s focus is not limited to increasing agricultural production, but also includes reducing cultivation costs, increasing farmers’ incomes, promoting crop diversification, and making agriculture more profitable. He emphasized that traditional farming alone is not sufficient for small and marginal farmers. Therefore, promoting value addition, food processing, and agriculture-based entrepreneurship is essential. He said that PRAGATI is an extension of this vision and will help create pathways to increase farmers’ incomes by connecting them with technology, farm mechanization, soil health management, and better market access.

The initiative builds on a proven foundation, the Agri-Entrepreneurship (AE) model, developed and refined through years of on-ground implementation. The AE model has already led to the incubation of over 26,000 agri-entrepreneurs, collectively supporting more than 2.6 million farmers across India. With demonstrated success in enhancing farmer incomes, enabling diverse locally led enterprises, and strengthening last-mile service delivery, PRAGATI seeks to scale this impact to an unprecedented level.

Through this initiative, participants will be supported through training, mentorship, and resources to develop as local. entrepreneurs delivering a comprehensive suite of services to farmers. These services will span agronomy advisory, access to soil health services, mechanization solutions, credit linkages, market access, and livelihood opportunities. In parallel, the programme will advance financial and digital inclusion by facilitating access to credit, insurance, savings, and government entitlements, supported by the establishment of 20,000 agri-entrepreneur-led kiosks.

Monica Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Social Impact, PepsiCo, and President, PepsiCo Foundation said, “They play a vital role in driving local economies, and supporting their livelihoods is essential to building a more resilient food system. Through this partnership, the PepsiCo Foundation is proud to work alongside program partners to help expand access to the tools and knowledge farmers need to grow more sustainably and help strengthen food systems for generations to come.”

Jagrut Kotecha, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo India and South Asia, said, ” PRAGATI is a much-needed intervention that brings together organizations with a shared intent, and the expertise, to help create new opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs. Through greater access to knowledge, regenerative agriculture practices, and market opportunities, PRAGATI aims to enable farmers improve productivity, diversify incomes, and build more secure livelihoods.”

Swapan Dhan, MD & CEO, SBI Foundation, said: “The future of Indian agriculture lies in empowering those closest to the farmer. Guided by our philosophy of Service Beyond Banking, PRAGATI is not just about creating Agri-Entrepreneurs, it brings along institutions with diverse expertise to carve out a nationwide movement of local changemakers who will drive farmer prosperity, climate resilience, and financial inclusion.”

Alan Johnson, Director at Global AE Academy & Lead-Smallholder Farmers Supply Chain, IFC (The World Bank Group), said,”The future of agriculture depends on empowered local leaders. Through PRAGATI, we are scaling a proven agri-entrepreneurship model that equips rural youth and women with the skills, networks, and opportunities to become catalysts of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable agricultural transformation across India.”

Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor – India, Environmental Defense Fund, said, “PRAGATI represents a powerful step toward transforming India’s agricultural systems by placing farmers and local entrepreneurs at the centre of climate-smart, efficient solutions. By combining data-driven insights with strong last-mile delivery, this initiative can improve productivity and farmer incomes while reducing resource use and environmental impact.”

Dr. Simon Winter, Executive Director, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation’s International Association, Switzerland, said: “PRAGATI is a bold step towards enabling a new generation of rural changemakers to accelerate the transition to regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture. By investing in youth and women entrepreneurs, we are building the human infrastructure needed to transform food systems to be more inclusive and resilient at scale and improve the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.”

Rina Soni, Executive Director, Passing Gifts Private Limited (PGPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Heifer International, said: “At Passing Gifts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Heifer International, we believe that lasting rural transformation happens when smallholder farmers are supported not as passive beneficiaries of the food system, but as entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers within their own communities. PRAGATI provides exactly this kind of platform, enabling enterprising rural youth and women to translate technology, finance, and regenerative farming practices into accessible village-level services. Together, this initiative can help make farming a profitable, sustainable, and aspirational choice for the next generation.”